1987 BMW 324 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 1987 BMW 324 is newer by 29 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 25 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1987 BMW 324. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 324. (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 324 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
