1958 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 585 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.
Because 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 501 | Element |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 99 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
