1971 Ford Zephyr vs. 1972 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1972 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Lancia Beta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 250 kg more than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Because 1971 Ford Zephyr 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 1971 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1971 Ford Zephyr (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Zephyr | 1972 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Zephyr | Beta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2360 mm |
