1998 BMW 323 vs. 1996 Fiat Marea
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Marea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Marea would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Marea. (145 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Marea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1996 Fiat Marea. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 323 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 1998 BMW 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Marea, 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, 1998 BMW 323 (246 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Marea. (186 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Marea.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1996 Fiat Marea | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 323 | Marea |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
