1995 BMW 317 vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 257 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Because 1995 BMW 317 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 1995 BMW 317. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1995 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 317 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
