1983 Lancia Beta vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 1983 Lancia Beta is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1983 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1983 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
