1978 BMW 730 vs. 1959 Fiat 1200
To start off, 1978 BMW 730 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (62 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1959 Fiat 1200 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 730 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2350 mm |
