1996 BMW 316 vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 1996 BMW 316 is newer by 22 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 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 316 (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 316 weights approximately 794 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, 1996 BMW 316 (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 316 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 22 L |
