1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1987 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 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 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 93 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 100 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, 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 (134 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 1979 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 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Beta |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 59 L |
