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BMW 1 Series vs Fiat 500 comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 118 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 17,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Fiat 500?

BMW 1 Series vs Fiat 500: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • markedly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • significantly more trunk space
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Fiat 500

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Fiat 500 is significantly cheaper – starting at 17,100 £ , while the BMW 1 Series costs 29,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,223 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is markedly more efficient than the Fiat 500 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.9 L/100km.

500

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series offers clearly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 118 HP. That’s roughly 182 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Fiat 500 takes 9 s. That’s about 4.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers substantially more torque with 400 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: BMW 1 Series offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Fiat 500 is clearly lighter – 1,130 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 335 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers significantly more boot space – 380 L compared to 185 L. That’s a difference of about 195 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries clearly more – 510 kg compared to 325 kg. That’s a difference of about 185 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is a cheeky, retro‑styled city car that turns heads with its iconic looks and playful personality. Perfect for weaving through tight streets and easing into tiny parking spots, it’s aimed at buyers who want style and character more than grand touring prowess.

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Reviews Fiat 500

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
Reijo Muhonen
28 Feb 2026, 16:46:06

I've owned both cars, and I still end up with the Fiat 500 — it always puts me in a good mood. For longer trips I take the train.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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BMW 1 Series
Fiat 500

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
17,100 - 27,400 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 14.7 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
190 - 331 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
0 - 121 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,130 - 1,475 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
183 - 185 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,683 - 1,684 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
250 - 325 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
65 - 118 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 16.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
92 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
48 - 87 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
999 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
BMW
Brand
Fiat
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.