1954 BMW 502 vs. 1968 BMW 2800
To start off, 1968 BMW 2800 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,786 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 BMW 2800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 BMW 2800 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 BMW 2800 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1968 BMW 2800.
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. Let's talk about torque, 1968 BMW 2800 (235 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 BMW 2800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1968 BMW 2800 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 2800 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
