1997 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Fiat 127
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 127. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1971 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 127, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 127. (77 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1971 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | M3 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1049 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2290 mm |
