1956 Fiat 600 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1956 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1956 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 250 kg more than 1956 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Fiat 600 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 1956 Fiat 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Fiat 600. (41 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Fiat 600 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 600 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 49 L |
