1958 BMW 501 vs. 1996 BMW 325
To start off, 1996 BMW 325 is newer by 38 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, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 BMW 325.
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, 1996 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1996 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
