1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 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 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 720 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
