2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1982 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lancia Beta weights approximately 118 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500, 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1982 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 59 L |
