1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1962 Honda S500
To start off, 1987 BMW Z1 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW Z1 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. 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, 1987 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1962 Honda S500 | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | Z1 | S500 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2010 mm |
