1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Bel Air | Beta |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 59 L |
