1983 Lancia Beta vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 300 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 100 L |
