2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 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 (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Beta weights approximately 94 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Taurus | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
