1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 1 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 451 kg more than 1980 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Fiat 126. 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 (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 126 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1584 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 | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| 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 |
