1988 Citroen AX vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1988 Citroen AX is newer by 9 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 66 more horse power than 1988 Citroen AX. (52 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Citroen AX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Citroen AX, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen AX. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen AX | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | AX | Beta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 59 L |
