1961 BMW 501 vs. 1968 Opel Olympia
To start off, 1968 Opel Olympia is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 BMW 501 (100 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 559 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia. 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, 1961 BMW 501 (182 Nm) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1968 Opel Olympia | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 501 | Olympia |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 70 L |
