1999 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1999 Dodge Caravan is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 800 kg more than 1978 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 Dodge Caravan (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Caravan | Beta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2360 mm |
