1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 30 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (210 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 185 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
