1956 BMW 501 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1956 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. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
