1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 486 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1070 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 827 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| 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 | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 15.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
