2006 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 619 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta. 1983 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
