1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 41 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 905 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
