1958 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3, 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 501 | 3 |
Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
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 | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2639 mm |