1958 BMW 501 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 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 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260.
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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 501 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
