1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 530 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 59 L |
