1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 260 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1977 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1977 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Prefect | Beta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 110 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 49 L |
