1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lancia Kappa would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lancia Kappa (201 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Lancia Kappa.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 2009 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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 Lancia Kappa (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1998 Lancia Kappa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lancia Kappa | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Lancia | BMW |
| Model | Kappa | 523 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
