1961 BMW 501 vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 43 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 313 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (106 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 501 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 57 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
