1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 34 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 126 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
