1958 BMW 501 vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1303
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen 1303 is newer by 10 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 104 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. 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 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1303.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1968 Volkswagen 1303 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | 1303 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
