2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1984 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 156 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
