1974 Lancia Beta vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 905 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1974 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1974 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
