1975 Lancia Beta vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 36 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 403 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 940 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 524 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1975 Lancia Beta 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Make Lancia Mercedes-Benz
Model Beta CLS
Year Released 1975 2011
Body Type Hatchback Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 5500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 115 HP 518 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5250 RPM
Torque 175 Nm 699 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 1700 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual 7-speed shiftable automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1000 kg 1940 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 4996 mm
Vehicle Width 1660 mm 1882 mm
Vehicle Height 1320 mm 1407 mm
Wheelbase Size 2560 mm 2875 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 80 L