1958 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 53 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, 2011 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 212 kg more than 2011 Honda Civic.
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, 2011 Honda Civic, 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 501 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1193 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
