1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 870 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 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1975 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1975 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SL |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
