1974 Ford Cortina vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 115 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Cortina 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 1974 Ford Cortina. 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Cortina | Beta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
