1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 232 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 156 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
