1958 BMW 501 vs. 2001 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2001 Lancia Thesis is newer by 43 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, 2001 Lancia Thesis (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 290 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, 2001 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2001 Lancia Thesis (305 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2001 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 501 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
