1975 Lancia Beta vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 30 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (119 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 252 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1975 Lancia Beta 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 1975 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | A |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 54 L |
