1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 257 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
