1996 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 BMW 128
To start off, 2012 BMW 128 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 131. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 128 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1996 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, 2012 BMW 128 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 128 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 2012 BMW 128 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 131 | 128 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
