1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 485 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.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 300 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3080 mm |
