1994 BMW 840 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1994 BMW 840 is newer by 13 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 840 weights approximately 740 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 1994 BMW 840 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 1994 BMW 840. 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, 1994 BMW 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 840 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 840 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
