1978 Fiat 133 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Fiat 133 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 133. (33 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 133. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 310 kg more than 1978 Fiat 133. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 133 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 133. 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 (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 133. (54 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 133.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 133 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 133 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 842 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2360 mm |
