1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 430 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 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 850. 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 (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Abarth 850 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Abarth | Lancia |
Model | 850 | Beta |
Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 847 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2360 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 49 L |