1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 337 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
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, 1981 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 240 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
