1958 BMW 501 vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, both 1958 BMW 501 and 1958 Porsche 356 were released in the same year (1958). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 64 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. 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.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
Make | BMW | Porsche |
Model | 501 | 356 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1958 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1582 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2130 mm |