1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 38 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Cortina | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Ford | Lancia |
Model | Cortina | Beta |
Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1585 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 71.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1038 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 | 59 L |