1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 10 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 501 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (177 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 500 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 90 L |
