1973 Fiat 132 vs. 1972 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1973 Fiat 132 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,755 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Fiat 132 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Fiat 132 should accelerate faster than 1972 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Fiat 132 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1972 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 132 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 1973 Fiat 132. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1973 Fiat 132 (147 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Fiat 132 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 132 | 1972 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 132 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1754 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
