1958 BMW 501 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
To start off, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is newer by 14 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 5,011 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 172 kg more than 1958 BMW 501.
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, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 501 | Chevelle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5011 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2850 mm |
