1980 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 960 kg more than 1980 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 507 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 131 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 131 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2968 mm |
