The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 measures 41,7 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 19,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 22,1 feet (1980). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 tips the scales at 17 489 lbs — 13 521 lbs less than the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 3 968 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 280 hp, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 has a 255-hp advantage over the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 displaces 17 489 lbs — a 13 521-lb difference over the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 3 968 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 carries a 280-hp engine against 25 hp on the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 carries 53 gallons versus 13 gallons on the Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 17 489 lbs displacement and 42 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Evasion 22 1980 at 3 968 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.