1958 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Rover 75
To start off, 2006 Rover 75 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 Rover 75 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Rover 75 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2006 Rover 75.
Because 1958 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Rover 75, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Rover 75 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Rover 75 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2006 Rover 75 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 501 | 75 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
