1952 BMW 501 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1981 Toyota Celica is newer by 29 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica.
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. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 1952 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1952 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 501 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
