1989 BMW 518 vs. 1971 Fiat 128
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 128. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 128 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 128. (66 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 128. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 518 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1971 Fiat 128. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 128, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 128. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 128.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 1971 Fiat 128 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 518 | 128 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 55.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
