1969 BMW 1600 vs. 1959 Fiat 1200
To start off, 1969 BMW 1600 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 BMW 1600 (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 BMW 1600 weights approximately 91 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. 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, 1969 BMW 1600 (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 BMW 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 1959 Fiat 1200 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 1600 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 37 L |
