1984 Austin Ambassador vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1984 Austin Ambassador is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 165 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Ambassador | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | Ambassador | Beta |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2360 mm |
