1996 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 90 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
