1981 Lancia Beta vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 449 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 229 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 | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
