1958 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 64 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 273 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
