1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 1100 kg more than 1968 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 Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 423 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
