1974 Lancia Beta vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 781 kg more than 1974 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus, 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Lancia | Ford |
| Model | Beta | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
