1957 BMW 501 vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 26 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, 1957 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2693 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
