1975 Fiat 131 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 131 would be higher. Both 1975 Fiat 131 and 1981 Lancia Beta are equipped with a 1,297 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Fiat 131 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 1975 Fiat 131 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 1975 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 131 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 131 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2360 mm |
