1979 Fiat 126 vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Fiat 126 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 451 kg more than 1979 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 126 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 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1977 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 1977 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 126 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
