2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 447 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (182 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 166 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
