1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 17 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 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (217 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1364 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 1997 Chevrolet Express 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 1997 Chevrolet Express. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1980 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1980 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Express | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4997 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 379 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2364 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2360 mm |
