1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 Dodge Dakota 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 494 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 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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 Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1979 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Dakota | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2480 mm |
