1996 BMW 740 vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 BMW 740 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 740 weights approximately 909 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 740 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 740. 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 740 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 740 | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 740 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 59 L |
