1971 BMW 3 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 190 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 3 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2500 mm |
