1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,323 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 239 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta. 1975 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lancia |
| Model | Golf | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2323 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1239 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
