1988 BMW 520 vs. 1977 Lancia Beta

To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 534 kg more than 1977 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1977 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1977 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1988 BMW 520 1977 Lancia Beta
Make BMW Lancia
Model 520 Beta
Year Released 1988 1977
Body Type Sedan Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1989 cc 1585 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 129 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 10.5:1 9.4:1
Top Speed 202 km/hour 174 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1570 kg 1036 kg
Vehicle Length 4780 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1660 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2480 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 9.9 L/100km 6.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 59 L