1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 598 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 1978 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 1978 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
Make | BMW | Fiat |
Model | 520 | 500 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1368 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1072 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3546 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1628 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1519 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2301 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |