1998 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 17 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 338 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, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1998 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 316 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2500 mm |
