1969 Fiat 850 vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Beta weights approximately 301 kg more than 1969 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 850 | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 850 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
