2008 BMW 325 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 30 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 280 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, 2008 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 325 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
