1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton
To start off, 1973 Lancia Beta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (47 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 220 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Because 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta, 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, 1973 Lancia Beta (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | Ponton |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
