1958 BMW 501 vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 540 kg more than 1958 BMW 501. 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 501 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3080 mm |
