1974 BMW 3 vs. 1972 Fiat X1-9
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat X1-9. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat X1-9 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 126 more horse power than 1972 Fiat X1-9. (74 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat X1-9. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 553 kg more than 1972 Fiat X1-9. 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 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat X1-9. (98 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat X1-9.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1972 Fiat X1-9 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 3 | X1-9 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2210 mm |
