1972 Lancia Beta vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1972 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1972 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1972 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lancia Beta | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 300 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 72 L |
