1984 Lancia Beta vs. 2008 Fiat 500
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Beta weights approximately 110 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500, 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, 1984 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1984 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Beta | 2008 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Lancia | Fiat |
| Model | Beta | 500 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 35 L |
