1958 BMW 501 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 44 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 64 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 161 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
