1961 BMW 501 vs. 1994 McLaren F1
To start off, 1994 McLaren F1 is newer by 33 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 6,062 cc (12 cylinders), 1994 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 McLaren F1 (627 HP) has 527 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1994 McLaren F1 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 1994 McLaren F1.
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, 1994 McLaren F1 (881 Nm) has 699 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 1994 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1994 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | BMW | McLaren |
| Model | 501 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 6062 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 627 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
