1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 250 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
