1974 BMW 3 vs. 1961 Fiat 850
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1961 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 3 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 847 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2010 mm |
