2011 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2011 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2011 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat 500. (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Fiat 500 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Fiat | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 70 L |
