2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (173 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 916 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Dodge | Lancia |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
