1997 BMW M3 vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 13 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 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 122 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 260 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
