1990 Dodge Caravan vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1990 Dodge Caravan is newer by 11 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1990 Dodge Caravan. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1990 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 365 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
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, 1990 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1990 Dodge Caravan (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Dodge Caravan | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Caravan | Beta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2360 mm |
