1952 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 59 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 438 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 935 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | CL |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2954 mm |
