1961 BMW 501 vs. 1990 Porsche 911
To start off, 1990 Porsche 911 is newer by 29 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Porsche 911 (247 HP) has 147 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1990 Porsche 911.
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, 1990 Porsche 911 (316 Nm) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 1990 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1990 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 501 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 247 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 77 L |
