2006 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 25 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 730 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1981 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | M3 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2500 mm |
