1952 BMW 501 vs. 2008 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Toyota MR2 is newer by 56 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 220 kg more than 2008 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 | 2008 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 501 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
