2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus weights approximately 110 kg more than 1978 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Taurus | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 49 L |
