1998 BMW 330 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 577 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 330 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 1998 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1998 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 330 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 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 | 1615 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
