1958 BMW 501 vs. 1984 Citroen Axel
To start off, 1984 Citroen Axel is newer by 26 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 78 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Axel. (60 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Axel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1984 Citroen Axel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Citroen Axel, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Axel. (98 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Axel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1984 Citroen Axel | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 501 | Axel |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 65.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2380 mm |
