1978 Ford Escort vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta 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 70 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 145 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 1978 Ford Escort. 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 (165 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
