1961 BMW 501 vs. 1972 Fiat 124
To start off, 1972 Fiat 124 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 379 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1972 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 501 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 45 L |
