2006 BMW 530 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 48 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, 2006 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501.
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, 2006 BMW 530 (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
