1980 Ford Cortina vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Ford Cortina is newer by 5 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 56 more horse power than 1980 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 58 kg more than 1980 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Cortina 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 1980 Ford Cortina. 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 (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Cortina | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Cortina | Beta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
