1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1974 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1974 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1974 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 164 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
