1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,980 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 89 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Chrysler 1609 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 1976 Chrysler 1609. 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta. 1976 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1975 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1975 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Lancia | Chrysler |
| Model | Beta | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
