1961 BMW 501 vs. 1987 Toyota Century
To start off, 1987 Toyota Century is newer by 26 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 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Toyota Century (153 HP) has 53 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Toyota Century weights approximately 461 kg more than 1961 BMW 501. 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, 1987 Toyota Century (289 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 1987 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1987 Toyota Century | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 501 | Century |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 153 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
