1968 Ford Escort vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 238 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1968 Ford Escort (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Beta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 49 L |
