1952 BMW 501 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 30 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (231 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 325 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
