1955 BMW 501 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 501 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 365 kg more than 1955 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. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1955 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1955 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 BMW 501 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | E |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
