1988 BMW 525 vs. 1978 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 249 kg more than 1978 Lancia Gamma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Gamma, 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 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Gamma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1978 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 525 | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
