2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 24 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 48 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 75 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Fiat Punto, 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 Fiat Punto (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | Punto | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.4 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 59 L |
