1961 BMW 501 vs. 1971 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 1971 Volvo P 1800 is newer by 10 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, 1971 Volvo P 1800 (116 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volvo P 1800 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1971 Volvo P 1800.
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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo P 1800. (176 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1971 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 501 | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
