1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1982 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lancia Beta weights approximately 468 kg more than 1973 Fiat 126. 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1982 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 126 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 59 L |
