1957 BMW 501 vs. 1973 Ferrari 312
To start off, 1973 Ferrari 312 is newer by 16 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ferrari 312 (478 HP @ 12500 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ferrari 312 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1973 Ferrari 312.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1973 Ferrari 312 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 478 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 12500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
