1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2007 BMW 330
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 330 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 330 weights approximately 465 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.
Because 2007 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2007 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2007 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 131 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2770 mm |
