1958 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Ferrari 599
To start off, 2012 Ferrari 599 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Ferrari 599 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ferrari 599 (611 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 473 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ferrari 599 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ferrari 599 weights approximately 283 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.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2012 Ferrari 599 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 599 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 611 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1688 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4666 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1336 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2751 mm |
