1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 3 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (119 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1978 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 1978 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat 131 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Fiat | Lancia |
Model | 131 | Beta |
Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 75 HP | 119 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 144 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2360 mm |