1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 11 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (118 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 178 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (109 Nm). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Fiesta | Beta |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2310 mm |
