2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 622 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lancia |
| Model | Passat | Beta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
