1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1973 Lancia Beta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 558 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Lancia Beta (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 51 L |
