1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1969 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 7,033 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mercury Montego (209 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercury Montego weights approximately 975 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Mercury Montego 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 1969 Mercury Montego. 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, 1969 Mercury Montego (452 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1969 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1969 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Beta | Montego |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 7033 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 452 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3010 mm |
