1954 BMW 502 vs. 2009 BMW 125
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 55 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. 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. Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502. 2009 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1954 BMW 502 has manual transmission. 1954 BMW 502 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 2009 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
