1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 23 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 250 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SLK |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
