1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1975 Fiat 500
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 745 kg more than 1975 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 Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1975 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1975 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1975 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | Z3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 22 L |
