1958 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Ford E-250
To start off, 2009 Ford E-250 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 439 kg more than 2009 Ford E-250.
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 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2009 Ford E-250 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | E-250 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 6030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 2140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3510 mm |
