1952 BMW 501 vs. 1997 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1997 Toyota MR2 is newer by 45 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 Toyota MR2.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1997 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 501 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
