1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (220 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 454 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.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (312 Nm) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | CLK |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2830 mm |
