1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1959 Subaru 360
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1959 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 615 kg more than 1959 Subaru 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Subaru 360 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 1959 Subaru 360. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Subaru 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1959 Subaru 360 | |
| Make | Lancia | Subaru |
| Model | Beta | 360 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 1780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 64 L |
