1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 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 52 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 168 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Beta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 59 L |
