1958 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Audi A3
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 49 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, 2007 Audi A3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2007 Audi A3.
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, 2007 Audi A3, 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Audi A3. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2007 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 501 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
