2002 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 1154 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Chevrolet SSR 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 2002 Chevrolet SSR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 2002 Chevrolet SSR has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet SSR | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | SSR | Beta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2360 mm |
