1958 BMW 501 vs. 1979 Buick Electra
To start off, 1979 Buick Electra is newer by 21 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 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 320 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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1979 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 501 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3030 mm |
