1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1051 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 2091 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 90 L |
