2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 18 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lancia |
| Model | A | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.5 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
