1997 Alpina B 12 vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 1997 Alpina B 12 is newer by 23 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alpina B 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alpina B 12 weights approximately 1274 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500.
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, 1997 Alpina B 12 (469 Nm) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm). This means 1997 Alpina B 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alpina B 12 | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alpina | Fiat |
| Model | B 12 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 18 HP |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 1850 mm |
