1980 Ford Taunus vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Ford Taunus 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (81 HP) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Taunus weights approximately 20 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1980 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. 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 (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Taunus. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Taunus | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Taunus | Beta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2360 mm |
