1998 BMW 320 vs. 1973 Fiat 500
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 925 kg more than 1973 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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1973 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 320 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 1850 mm |
