1996 BMW 740 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 740 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 740 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 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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 740 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 740 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 740 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 35 L |
