1961 BMW 501 vs. 1981 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1981 Pontiac 1000 is newer by 20 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 36 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000. 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1981 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 501 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 64 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
