1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1360 kg more than 1979 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, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1943 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 111 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 5.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 120 L |
