1971 Lancia Stratos vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lancia Stratos (112 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1850 kg more than 1971 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1971 Lancia Stratos 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 1971 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lancia Stratos. (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lancia Stratos | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Stratos | A |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2570 mm |
