1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1005 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 659 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 4.5 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 | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
