1957 BMW 501 vs. 1963 BMW 502
To start off, 1963 BMW 502 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. Both 1957 BMW 501 and 1963 BMW 502 are equipped with a 3,168 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1957 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1963 BMW 502 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 502 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
