2001 BMW 318 vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 30 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 790 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, 2001 BMW 318 (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 318 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 22 L |
