1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1974 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 353 kg more than 1974 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 Z3 (355 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1974 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | Z3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 59 L |
