2008 Ford Focus vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 322 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Because 1976 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 1976 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 (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 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 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Focus | Beta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
