1958 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Ford E-350
To start off, 2006 Ford E-350 is newer by 48 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 5,407 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2006 Ford E-350.
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, 2006 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2006 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5407 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 12 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3510 mm |
