1996 BMW 523 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 485 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 523 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 523. 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 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 523 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
