1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 591 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Abarth 500 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 1958 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 500 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:
1958 Abarth 500 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Abarth | Lancia |
Model | 500 | Beta |
Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 479 cc | 1585 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 20 HP | 100 HP |
Torque | 32 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1036 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 59 L |