1958 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 501 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2329 mm |