1990 Fiat 126 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1990 Fiat 126 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1990 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1990 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 391 kg more than 1990 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Fiat 126 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 1990 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Fiat 126 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 126 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
