1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,839 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 585 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
