1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 31 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1792 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 front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
