1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 34 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 845 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 2012 BMW 535 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 2012 BMW 535. 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Lancia | BMW |
| Model | Beta | 535 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
