2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1973 Fiat 500
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,248 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 960 kg more than 1973 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, 2008 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1973 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | Z4 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3248 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 1850 mm |
