1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1973 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
