1981 Lancia Beta vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 574 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
