1996 BMW 332 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 BMW 332 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 332 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 1996 BMW 332. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 332 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2360 mm |
