1996 Audi A4 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 17 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 17 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A4 weights approximately 145 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, 1996 Audi A4, 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Audi | Lancia |
| Model | A4 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
