1966 BMW 1602 vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 1966 BMW 1602 is newer by 5 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 1,574 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 BMW 1602 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 BMW 1602 (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 BMW 1602 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 BMW 1602 weights approximately 400 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, 1966 BMW 1602 (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 BMW 1602 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 1602 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1950 mm |
