2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 30 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 59 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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, 2009 Fiat Panda, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | Panda | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 59 L |
