2009 BMW 650 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 31 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 weights approximately 525 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 2009 BMW 650 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 650. 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, 2009 BMW 650 (490 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 650 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 49 L |
