1958 BMW 501 vs. 1954 Ford 12 M
To start off, 1958 BMW 501 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1954 Ford 12 M. (37 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford 12 M.
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:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1954 Ford 12 M | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | 12 M |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
