1966 Fiat 124 vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,438 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Fiat 124 (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 80 kg more than 1966 Fiat 124.
Because 1966 Fiat 124 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 1966 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, both vehicles can yield 108 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 124 | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 124 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 49 L |
