1950 Ford Zephyr vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1950 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 109 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1950 Ford Zephyr 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 1950 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta, 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, 1950 Ford Zephyr (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1950 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Ford Zephyr | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Zephyr | Beta |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |
