2001 Dodge Caravan vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2001 Dodge Caravan is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Caravan (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 810 kg more than 1984 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Lancia Beta 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 1984 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan, 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, 2001 Dodge Caravan (313 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Caravan | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Caravan | Beta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2310 mm |
