1983 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 282 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 1983 Lancia Beta 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 1983 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | A |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 90 L |
