1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series

To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 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 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 1098 kg more than 1980 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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 1980 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 1980 Fiat 126. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1980 Fiat 126 2013 BMW 3 Series
Make Fiat BMW
Model 126 3 Series
Year Released 1980 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 238 HP
Engine RPM 4500 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 42 Nm 407 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80.1 mm 84 mm
Engine Stroke Size 70 mm 89 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear AWD
Transmission Type Manual 8-speed automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 585 kg 1683 kg
Vehicle Length 3130 mm 4636 mm
Vehicle Width 1390 mm 2031 mm
Vehicle Height 1340 mm 1434 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2810 mm