1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 280 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
