1959 BMW 507 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 49 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1959 BMW 507. (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 507. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 88 kg more than 1959 BMW 507. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 507 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 1959 BMW 507. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 507. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 507.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 507 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 55 L |
