1952 BMW 501 vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 501 | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
