1961 BMW 501 vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 1961 BMW 501 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 BMW 501 (100 HP) has 82 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1960 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. Let's talk about torque, 1961 BMW 501 (182 Nm) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 501 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 18 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1960 mm |
