1980 BMW 316 vs. 1959 Fiat 1200
To start off, 1980 BMW 316 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,573 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW 316 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW 316 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. 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, 1980 BMW 316 (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 1959 Fiat 1200 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 316 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 37 L |
