1960 Hudson Metropolitan vs. 1974 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1974 Lancia Beta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Hudson Metropolitan would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Hudson Metropolitan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. (47 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 182 kg more than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Hudson Metropolitan 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 Hudson Metropolitan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Lancia Beta (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1974 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Hudson Metropolitan | 1974 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Hudson | Lancia |
| Model | Metropolitan | Beta |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 818 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2360 mm |
