1998 BMW 740 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 968 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 740 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 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 740 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 49 L |
