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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 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 158 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.
Because 1978 Lancia Beta 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 1978 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 (165 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm). 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
