1958 BMW 501 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 31 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.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2803 mm |
