1998 Ford Contour vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 202 kg more than 1984 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Contour | Beta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
