1997 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 342 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Ford | Lancia |
Model | Contour | Beta |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 165 Nm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1048 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2360 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |