1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 1990 BMW 850 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 1280 kg more than 1970 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 423 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500. 1990 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1970 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1970 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 52 L |
