1991 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1991 BMW 525 is newer by 10 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW 525 (143 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 525 weights approximately 560 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 1991 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 1991 BMW 525. 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, 1991 BMW 525 (260 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1991 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 525 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 525 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
