2006 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 25 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 680 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 2006 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 2006 BMW 525. 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, 2006 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 525 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
