1984 Dodge Charger vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1984 Dodge Charger is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1984 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1984 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 18 kg more than 1984 Dodge Charger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Dodge Charger, 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Dodge Charger | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Charger | Beta |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
