1958 BMW 501 vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 40 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 4 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 71 kg more than 1958 BMW 501.
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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
