1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 330 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Beta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
