2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 26 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 30 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Fiat Panda (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | Panda | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1330 mm |
