1957 BMW 501 vs. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 11 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. At 6,998 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette (429 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 55 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, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette (635 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 501 | 1968 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | 501 | Corvette |
Year Released | 1957 | 1968 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 6998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 429 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 635 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1460 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |