1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 12 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 (131 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 340 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190. 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 (198 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 190 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
