2004 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Fiat 500
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 370 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2004 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500. 2008 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2008 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 318 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 35 L |
