1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1951 Singer SM 1500
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Singer SM 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Singer SM 1500 would be higher. At 1,495 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Singer SM 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1951 Singer SM 1500. (47 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1951 Singer SM 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 160 kg more than 1951 Singer SM 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Singer SM 1500 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 1951 Singer SM 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Singer SM 1500. (98 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Singer SM 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1951 Singer SM 1500 | |
| Make | Lancia | Singer |
| Model | Beta | SM 1500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2320 mm |
