1958 BMW 501 vs. 2005 BMW 530
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 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 530 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 165 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.
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, 2005 BMW 530 (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 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 | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
