1978 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, both 1978 Ford Escort and 1978 Lancia Beta were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 163 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, 1978 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
