1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 451 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Abarth 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 1960 Abarth 600. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth 600 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:
1960 Abarth 600 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Abarth | Lancia |
Model | 600 | Beta |
Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 745 cc | 1585 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 54 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 71.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1036 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |