1958 BMW 501 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1981 BMW M1 is newer by 23 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1981 BMW M1.
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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 501 | M1 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3453 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 273 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 330 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1140 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |