1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 340 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 (164 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 200 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 65 L |
