1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (267 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 654 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Mustang 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 1972 Ford Mustang. 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (417 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Mustang | Beta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 49 L |
