1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 4 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 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 131. 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta. 1979 Fiat 131 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. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Lancia | Fiat |
| Model | Beta | 131 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2500 mm |
