1958 BMW 501 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 47 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, 2005 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2005 BMW 318.
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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1375 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 |
