2001 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 22 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 147 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
