1995 BMW 317 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131.
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, 1995 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 317 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
