1957 BMW 501 vs. 1968 Chevrolet Corvair
To start off, 1968 Chevrolet Corvair is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 271 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. Let's talk about torque, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1968 Chevrolet Corvair | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 501 | Corvair |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
