1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1973 Lancia Beta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 418 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Lancia Beta (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Abarth | Lancia |
| Model | 1000 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
