1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 526 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 59 L |
