1957 BMW 501 vs. 1975 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1975 Lancia Stratos is newer by 18 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, 1975 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1975 Lancia Stratos.
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, 1975 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1975 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 501 | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2418 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2190 mm |
