1958 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (163 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 35 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.
Because 2009 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Subaru Legacy. (187 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2009 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 501 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
