1958 BMW 501 vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 46 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2004 Mazda 6.
Because 2004 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 501 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
