2001 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 20 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 535 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 2001 BMW 320 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. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 320 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 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 |
