2008 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 29 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 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (114 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 326 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (250 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1979 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Focus | Beta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
