1958 BMW 501 vs. 1980 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1980 Nissan Skyline 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, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1980 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1980 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 501 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
