1968 Fiat 125 vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1976 Lancia Beta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 125. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Lancia Beta weights approximately 205 kg more than 1968 Fiat 125. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 125 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 1968 Fiat 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1976 Lancia Beta (177 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 125. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 125 | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 125 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
