1992 BMW 850 vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1992 BMW 850 is newer by 12 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 754 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 1992 BMW 850 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 1992 BMW 850. 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, 1992 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 850 | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 850 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 59 L |
