1975 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 320 (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 320 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 320 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 1975 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1975 BMW 320 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 320 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:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 320 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
