1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (174 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1979 Fiat 126. 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, 2004 BMW 320 (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 2004 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 126 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
