1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is newer by 34 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (298 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M weights approximately 1130 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 Mercedes-Benz M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2013 Mercedes-Benz M | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | M |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 2130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4804 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2915 mm |
