1983 BMW 316 vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 316 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1961 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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1961 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1961 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 316 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 1950 mm |
