2008 BMW 550 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 30 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 692 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 2008 BMW 550 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 2008 BMW 550. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 550 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
