1961 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 48 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, 1961 BMW 501 (100 HP) has 17 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (121 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 501 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 33 L |
