1988 Ford Falcon vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1988 Ford Falcon is newer by 10 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 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Falcon (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Falcon weights approximately 336 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Falcon 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 1988 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1988 Ford Falcon (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Falcon | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Falcon | Beta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
