1966 Ford GT 40 vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford GT 40 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1977 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford GT 40 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 1966 Ford GT 40. 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 (134 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1977 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford GT 40. 1977 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1966 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1966 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford GT 40 | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | GT 40 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1040 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 59 L |
