1976 Lancia Beta vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 29 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 600 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | C |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
