1955 Fiat 1400 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1955 Fiat 1400. (38 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1955 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 128 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1955 Fiat 1400 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 1955 Fiat 1400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fiat 1400. (134 Nm). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fiat 1400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 1400 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 1400 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1901 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 20.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2550 mm |
