1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 118 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 386 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 118 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 2009 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2009 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Lancia | BMW |
| Model | Beta | 118 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 51 L |
