2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 567 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 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:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 159 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
