1984 Lancia Beta vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1984 Lancia Beta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1984 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Beta | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | 500 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 90 L |
