1954 BMW 502 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 57 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502.
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, 2011 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502. 2011 BMW 535 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. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
