1999 BMW 540 vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 1231 kg more than 1962 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 1962 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 540 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1950 mm |
