2004 BMW 320 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (119 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 320 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 2004 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 2004 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 320 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
