1958 BMW 501 vs. 1962 Steyr 500D
To start off, 1962 Steyr 500D is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 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 119 more horse power than 1962 Steyr 500D. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1962 Steyr 500D. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 925 kg more than 1962 Steyr 500D. 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Steyr 500D. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Steyr 500D.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1962 Steyr 500D | |
| Make | BMW | Steyr |
| Model | 501 | 500D |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1962 |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 19 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 2970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1850 mm |
