1989 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1989 Ford Taurus 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 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1989 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Taurus weights approximately 362 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Taurus | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Taurus | Beta |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2550 mm |
