1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 396 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 1139 kg more than 1974 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 63 L |
