1996 BMW 540 vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 809 kg more than 1984 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 540 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
