2009 Volkswagen GTI vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 28 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 1271 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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen GTI 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:
| 2009 Volkswagen GTI | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lancia |
| Model | GTI | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
