1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 341 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 520 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
