1958 BMW 501 vs. 1973 Ferrari 246
To start off, 1973 Ferrari 246 is newer by 15 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, 1973 Ferrari 246 (196 HP) has 58 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ferrari 246 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1973 Ferrari 246.
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, 1973 Ferrari 246 (226 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm). This means 1973 Ferrari 246 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1973 Ferrari 246 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 246 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2418 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 196 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 59.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
