1984 BMW 318 vs. 1974 Fiat 131
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 318 (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 318 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1974 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, 1984 BMW 318 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 1974 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 1974 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 318 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2500 mm |
