1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 BMW 123
To start off, 2012 BMW 123 is newer by 51 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 123 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 123 weights approximately 955 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, 2012 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2012 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2660 mm |
