1986 Fiat Croma vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1986 Fiat Croma is newer by 7 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Fiat Croma (154 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Fiat Croma weights approximately 140 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Fiat Croma, 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, 1986 Fiat Croma (235 Nm @ 2350 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Croma | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | Croma | Beta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2350 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2360 mm |
