1957 BMW 501 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 14 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 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 635 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 501 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3110 mm |
