1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (47 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 210 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Because 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton 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 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1958 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | Ponton |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2660 mm |
