1996 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 592 kg more than 1979 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 Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1996 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Taurus | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 49 L |
