1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Lancia | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Beta | 166 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
