1996 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 23 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 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 598 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (129 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
