1997 Ford Probe vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Ford Probe is newer by 18 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 3 more horse power than 1997 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Probe weights approximately 190 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, 1997 Ford Probe, 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 Probe (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Probe | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Ford | Lancia |
Model | Probe | Beta |
Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1994 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 172 Nm | 171 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |