1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 118 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1979 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lancia | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Beta | 146 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 51 L |
