1990 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 16 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 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 684 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | M3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 22 L |
