1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 35 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP) has 174 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 770 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 131 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 227 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
