1983 Lancia Beta vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 5 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 66 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lancia | Suzuki |
| Model | Beta | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
