1958 BMW 501 vs. 1980 BMW 725
To start off, 1980 BMW 725 is newer by 22 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, 1980 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW 725 should accelerate faster 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1980 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 725 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
