2008 Ford Focus vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (119 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 235 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Focus | Beta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1283 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
