1986 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M3 weights approximately 134 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW M3 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 1986 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 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 | 1170 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
