1989 Citroen XM vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 10 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, 1989 Citroen XM (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 460 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. 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, 1989 Citroen XM, 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, 1989 Citroen XM (225 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | XM | Beta |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
