1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1980 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lancia Beta | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Beta | 280 |
Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2940 mm |