2004 BMW 525 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 26 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 627 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 2004 BMW 525 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 525. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 525 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.3 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
