1988 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Fiat 500
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2011 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 635 kg more than 2011 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2011 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 525 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 35 L |
