BMW i3 vs. FIAT 500e
When we compare the BMW i3's and the FIAT 500e's specifications and ratings, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The FIAT 500e has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3's and the FIAT 500e's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
BMW i3 vs. FIAT 500e Pricing
A used 2019 BMW i3 ranges from $18,755 to $27,656 while a used 2019 FIAT 500e is priced between $12,126 to $17,992.
BMW i3 vs. FIAT 500e Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 70.9 percent of its value and the FIAT 500e loses 63.4 percent of its value. This means the FIAT 500e retains 7.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the FIAT 500e base engine makes 111 horsepower. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 153 miles. The 500e is rated to deliver an average of 121 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 84 miles. This gives the BMW i3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the FIAT 500e. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the i3 is 5 hours (240V), while the charge time for the 500e is 24 hours (120V).
Passenger Space Comparison
The BMW i3, a electric compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The FIAT 500e, a electric subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
18755 - 27656
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.709352
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
12126 - 17992
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.634404
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
5.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
FIAT 500e Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
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21 out of / 27FIAT 500e Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
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24 out of / 27Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
Summary Review
The Fiat 500e was a smaller than subcompact city car made for the American market from 2013 to 2019 in low volumes and in sold select US states. Not only has the Fiat 500e been discontinued, but the entire Fiat 500 line is also now discontinued, leaving Fiat as a one-model company with very few dealers in the US.
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
Pros and Cons
- Low cost due to high depreciation
- Lowest reliability score on iSeeCars list of EVs
- Poor safety scores
- Very limited availability
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
FIAT 500e Trim Levels
Base
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
111 hp
Torque:
147 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.037 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
MPGe:
124 / 102 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
153 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
33 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
5 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
121 / 103 / 112
Range (city/hwy):
84 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
24 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
24 hours (120V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
49.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
27.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
46.4 inches
Cargo Space:
7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
78.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2965 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2980 lbs
Width:
64.1 inches
Height:
60.1 inches
Length:
142.4 inches
Wheelbase:
90.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 5.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P185/55R15