1958 BMW 501 vs. 1981 Buick Century
To start off, 1981 Buick Century 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 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Century weights approximately 25 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 1981 Buick Century | |
Make | BMW | Buick |
Model | 501 | Century |
Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3214 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 218 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 | 1430 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |