1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 835 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 88 L |
