1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette

To start off, 1998 Lancia Kappa is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lancia Kappa (201 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 660 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Lancia Kappa 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
Make Lancia Vauxhall
Model Kappa Chevette
Year Released 1998 1981
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2959 cc 1256 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 201 HP 56 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 270 Nm 89 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 2600 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1515 kg 855 kg
Vehicle Length 4570 mm 3950 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1580 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1320 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2400 mm