2008 BMW 523 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 50 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, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 85 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
