2003 BMW 545 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 480 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 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2003 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 545 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2500 mm |
