1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 657 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (262 Nm) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Caravan | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2360 mm |
