2003 Volvo S40 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 389 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 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1979 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2003 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2003 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Volvo | Lancia |
| Model | S40 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
