2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 596 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 2004 Ford Mustang 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 2004 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 2004 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Mustang | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 49 L |
