1978 Chrysler 160 vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 160 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 160. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 160. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 160 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Because 1978 Chrysler 160 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 1978 Chrysler 160. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 160. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1976 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 160.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler 160 | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lancia |
| Model | 160 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2360 mm |
