1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1973 Lancia Beta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 94 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Because 1956 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1956 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Zodiac | Beta |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 136 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2550 mm |
