1958 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 12 kg more than 2011 Opel Astra.
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 Opel Astra, 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, 2011 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 2011 Opel Astra | |
Make | BMW | Opel |
Model | 501 | Astra |
Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1910 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1393 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |