1949 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 62 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1949 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1949 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 1255 kg more than 1949 Fiat 500. 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. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1949 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1949 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Fiat 500 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
