1958 BMW 501 vs. 2007 BMW M
To start off, 2007 BMW M 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M (330 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501.
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, 2007 BMW M (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2007 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | M |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
