1997 BMW S3 vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW S3 weights approximately 858 kg more than 1971 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, 1997 BMW S3 (330 Nm) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | S3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1850 mm |
