1956 BMW 501 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 49 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 135 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (351 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | C |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
