1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 39 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 985 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, 2012 BMW 118 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 51 L |
