1997 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 24 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 202 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 1997 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 1997 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (144 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
