1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 2 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina.
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, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Cortina | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Ford | Lancia |
Model | Cortina | Beta |
Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 70.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2360 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 49 L |