1996 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 635 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 520 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 1996 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (144 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2003 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 520 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1251 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 861 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 35 L |
