1996 BMW 725 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1996 BMW 725 is newer by 15 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 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 725 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 680 kg more than 1981 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, 1996 BMW 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 725 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2500 mm |
