1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 564 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.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 420 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2850 mm |
