1952 BMW 501 vs. 1978 ZIL 4104
To start off, 1978 ZIL 4104 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 7,695 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 4104 (311 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 4104 should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 2051 kg more than 1952 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. 1978 ZIL 4104 has automatic transmission and 1952 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1952 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 ZIL 4104 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1978 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | BMW | ZIL |
| Model | 501 | 4104 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 7695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 3336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3340 mm |
