1972 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1972 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 760 kg more than 1972 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lancia Beta | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beta | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
