1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 650 kg more than 1974 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
