1958 BMW 501 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Camaro
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 16 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 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Camaro (143 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 180 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, 1974 Chevrolet Camaro (338 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1974 Chevrolet Camaro | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 501 | Camaro |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
