1958 BMW 501 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 308 is newer by 20 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
