1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 273 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Prefect 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 1956 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Prefect | Beta |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2550 mm |
