1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 31 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 122 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 600 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2009 BMW 523 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. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 131 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2890 mm |
