1981 Lancia Beta vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 240 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 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 2007 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
