1958 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 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 37 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 134 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1271 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
