1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 845 kg more than 1961 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, 2011 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2670 mm |
