1982 Bitter SC vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 1982 Bitter SC is newer by 24 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, 1982 Bitter SC (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Bitter SC weights approximately 195 kg more than 1958 BMW 501. 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, 1982 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Bitter SC | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Bitter | BMW |
| Model | SC | 501 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2840 mm |
