1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1982 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (100 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lancia Beta weights approximately 46 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 Fiat 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1982 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 1500 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 59 L |
