1975 BMW 1502 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 1975 BMW 1502 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1975 BMW 1502. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 1502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1975 BMW 1502. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 1502. (118 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 1502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 1502 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 1502 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2840 mm |
