1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1987 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 64 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1987 Ford Thunderbird 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 1987 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (108 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Beta |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 49 L |
