1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 33 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. Both 1978 Fiat 131 and 2011 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131.
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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2011 BMW 520 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 131 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2968 mm |
