2003 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1978 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 520 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2500 mm |
