1996 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 438 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda. 2012 Fiat Panda has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 525 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 30 L |
