1984 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1984 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Beta weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1984 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Beta | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
