2008 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1979 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 318 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
