1958 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Ford Focus
To start off, 2007 Ford Focus 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, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2007 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2007 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2007 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Focus, 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, 2007 Ford Focus (251 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2007 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
