1958 BMW 501 vs. 1992 BMW 332
To start off, 1992 BMW 332 is newer by 34 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, 1992 BMW 332 (317 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1992 BMW 332.
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, 1992 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1992 BMW 332 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 332 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3152 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
