2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda is newer by 25 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. Both 2006 Fiat Panda and 1981 Lancia Beta are equipped with a 1,297 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Panda. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 65 kg more than 2006 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Fiat Panda (197 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 2006 Fiat Panda has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | Panda | Beta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 49 L |
