1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 382 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1976 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1976 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 260 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
