1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 BMW 316 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 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 316 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 316 weights approximately 970 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 316 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 316 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 316 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
