2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Dodge Caravan is newer by 24 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Caravan (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 750 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, 2003 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Caravan | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Caravan | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 49 L |
