1958 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Citroen C5
To start off, 2012 Citroen C5 is newer by 54 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, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C5. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C5 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1958 BMW 501.
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, 2012 Citroen C5, 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, 2012 Citroen C5 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2012 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 501 | C5 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
