1958 BMW 501 vs. 1999 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1999 Porsche Boxster is newer by 41 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Porsche Boxster (249 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1999 Porsche Boxster.
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, 1999 Porsche Boxster (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1999 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 501 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2360 mm |
