1956 BMW 501 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 42 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 425 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 501 | SL |
Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 3197 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 224 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 315 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1830 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |