1958 BMW 501 vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1989 Toyota Corolla is newer by 31 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 64 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1989 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1989 Toyota Corolla, 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (103 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 501 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
