1958 BMW 501 vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 55 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 4 more horse power than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (134 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 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, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 501 | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1517 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2685 mm |
