1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Montego (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 695 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1973 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Beta | Montego |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1695 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 |
