1958 BMW 501 vs. 1986 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1986 Holden Commodore is newer by 28 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, 1986 Holden Commodore (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1986 Holden Commodore.
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, 1986 Holden Commodore (296 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1986 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 501 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
