1972 Lancia Beta vs. 1966 Mercury Cyclone
To start off, 1972 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Cyclone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Cyclone would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Cyclone is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1972 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Cyclone should accelerate faster than 1972 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Cyclone weights approximately 632 kg more than 1972 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Mercury Cyclone 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 Mercury Cyclone. 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, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (579 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Cyclone will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta. 1966 Mercury Cyclone has automatic transmission and 1972 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1972 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Mercury Cyclone will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lancia Beta | 1966 Mercury Cyclone | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Beta | Cyclone |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 579 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2950 mm |
