1958 BMW 501 vs. 1993 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1993 Renault Safrane is newer by 35 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, 1993 Renault Safrane (168 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Renault Safrane weights approximately 170 kg more than 1958 BMW 501. 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, 1993 Renault Safrane, 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, 1993 Renault Safrane (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1993 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1993 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 501 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
