1995 BMW 317 vs. 1973 Fiat 500
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 317 (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 317 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 845 kg more than 1973 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, 1995 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1973 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 317 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1850 mm |
