1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2008 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 30 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), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (268 HP) has 215 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 580 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, 2008 BMW 330 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2008 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. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 131 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2770 mm |
