1999 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 20 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 92 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.
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, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Prizm | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Prizm | Beta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2360 mm |
