1968 Fiat 850 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 285 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 850 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 49 L |
