2004 Audi A3 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 23 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A3 (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A3 weights approximately 304 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.
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, 2004 Audi A3 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A3 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:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Audi | Lancia |
| Model | A3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
