1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 460 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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 Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Taurus | Beta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
