1957 BMW 501 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 31 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 170 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.
Because 1957 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 501 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
Make | BMW | Buick |
Model | 501 | Electra |
Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1575 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |