1984 Lancia Beta vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 359 kg more than 1984 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (111 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1984 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1984 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Beta | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1366 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
