1981 BMW 520 vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 520 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
