1995 Dodge Viper vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1995 Dodge Viper is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Viper (359 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Viper weights approximately 542 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Dodge Viper 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 1995 Dodge Viper. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta, 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, 1995 Dodge Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 513 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Viper | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Viper | Beta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 359 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
