1957 BMW 501 vs. 1988 Citroen AX
To start off, 1988 Citroen AX 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1988 Citroen AX. (57 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 697 kg more than 1988 Citroen AX. 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 Citroen AX, 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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen AX. (88 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1988 Citroen AX | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 501 | AX |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2290 mm |
