1983 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 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 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 190 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta. 2004 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1983 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1983 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
