1994 BMW 740 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1994 BMW 740 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 740 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1978 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, 1994 BMW 740 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1994 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 740 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 740 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2500 mm |
