1958 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 51 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 340 kg more than 1958 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 501 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 536 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
