1961 BMW 501 vs. 2004 Honda S2000
To start off, 2004 Honda S2000 is newer by 43 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, 2004 Honda S2000 (252 HP) has 152 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 59 kg more than 2004 Honda S2000.
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, 2004 Honda S2000 (217 Nm) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 2004 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 2004 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 501 | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 252 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 217 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 | 1286 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 50 L |
