1996 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Fiat 126
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 1047 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126. 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1983 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | M3 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 650 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 1850 mm |
