1958 BMW 501 vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra is newer by 50 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
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, 2008 Nissan Xterra, 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, 2008 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 501 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
