1990 BMW Z1 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1990 BMW Z1 is newer by 9 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW Z1 weights approximately 250 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 1990 BMW Z1 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 1990 BMW Z1. 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, 1990 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | Z1 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2360 mm |
