2004 Chrysler Town & Country vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Chrysler Town & Country is newer by 25 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 3,786 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chrysler Town & Country (215 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 860 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.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Chrysler Town & Country, 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 Chrysler Town & Country (339 Nm) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm). This means 2004 Chrysler Town & Country will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chrysler Town & Country | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lancia |
| Model | Town & Country | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
