1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1974 Lancia Beta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 520 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Lancia Beta (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1970 Fiat 500 | 1974 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Fiat | Lancia |
Model | 500 | Beta |
Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 14 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 24 Nm | 109 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 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 | 480 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2360 mm |