2008 BMW X3 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 585 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 X3 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2008 BMW X3 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. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | X3 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2500 mm |
