1968 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 11 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 231 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1979 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Beta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 59 L |
