1997 Ford Contour vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 217 kg more than 1977 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Contour | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
