1987 Lancia Prisma vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lancia Prisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lancia Prisma would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (91 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1987 Lancia Prisma. (76 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1987 Lancia Prisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 280 kg more than 1987 Lancia Prisma. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lancia Prisma. (105 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lancia Prisma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lancia Prisma | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prisma | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
