2009 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 28 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 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 600 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 2009 BMW 330 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 2009 BMW 330. 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, 2009 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 330 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
