1999 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 21 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 440 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 1999 BMW 318 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 1999 BMW 318. 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, 1999 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 318 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
