2001 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 336 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 318 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
