1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 74 kg more than 2012 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Ka, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Lancia | Ford |
| Model | Beta | Ka |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 146 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 13.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
