1996 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 18 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 130 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.
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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 49 L |
