1972 BMW 520 vs. 1968 Fiat 500
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 4 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 720 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1968 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 520 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 22 L |
