2004 Buick Century vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Buick Century is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Century (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Century weights approximately 460 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lancia Beta 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 1980 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Buick Century, 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, 2004 Buick Century (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Century | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Buick | Lancia |
| Model | Century | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
