1967 Fiat 500 vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1967 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1967 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 530 kg more than 1967 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 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 1967 Fiat 500. 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, 1977 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1977 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Fiat 500 | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| 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 | 510 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 51 L |
