2003 Fiat Idea vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Fiat Idea is newer by 25 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Idea. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Idea weights approximately 162 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta.
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, 2003 Fiat Idea (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Idea | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | Idea | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1247 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 59 L |
