1958 BMW 501 vs. 2005 Morgan Aero 8
To start off, 2005 Morgan Aero 8 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Morgan Aero 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Morgan Aero 8 (321 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Morgan Aero 8 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 273 kg more than 2005 Morgan Aero 8.
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 Morgan Aero 8 (447 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Morgan Aero 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2005 Morgan Aero 8 | |
| Make | BMW | Morgan |
| Model | 501 | Aero 8 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2530 mm |
