2002 Porsche 996 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2002 Porsche 996 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Porsche 996 weights approximately 449 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 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 996 (371 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2002 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2002 Porsche 996 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Porsche 996 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Porsche | Lancia |
| Model | 996 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 371 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
