1977 Lancia Beta vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1360 kg more than 1977 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1942 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 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 500 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 432 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 111 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 120 L |
