1988 BMW 535 vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 594 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 535 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 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 535 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
