2003 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Fiat 127
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 737 kg more than 1981 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 2003 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2003 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (75 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1981 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 530 | 127 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 75 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2230 mm |
