1971 Fiat 850 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 850.
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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 850 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2730 mm |
