1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1965 Fiat 500
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 853 kg more than 1965 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 Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1965 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | Z3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 38 L |
