1961 BMW 501 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 501 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 112 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 50 L |
