1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 575 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 280 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 95 L |
