1994 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 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 3,795 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 725 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 M5 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 M5. 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 M5 (401 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M5 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 49 L |
