1959 BMW 507 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1959 BMW 507.
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. Let's talk about torque, 1959 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 507 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 63 L |
