1958 BMW 503 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1958 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 503 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
