2001 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2001 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Fiat Barchetta.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Fiat Barchetta. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 2001 Fiat Barchetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Fiat Barchetta | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | Barchetta | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 70 L |
