1959 BMW 600 vs. 1962 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1962 Toyota Publica is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 600 would be higher. At 697 cc (2 cylinders), 1962 Toyota Publica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Toyota Publica (29 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1959 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Toyota Publica should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Toyota Publica weights approximately 30 kg more than 1959 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1962 Toyota Publica (54 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1962 Toyota Publica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 600 | 1962 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 600 | Publica |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 581 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2140 mm |
