1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 412 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 995 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 592 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 88 L |
