2003 Fiat Panda vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (71 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 590 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 125 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 2011 BMW 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (181 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 2011 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | Panda | 125 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 53 L |
