1957 BMW 501 vs. 1989 Ferrari Mondial
To start off, 1989 Ferrari Mondial is newer by 32 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 3,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari Mondial is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari Mondial (267 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari Mondial should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ferrari Mondial weights approximately 131 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.
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, 1989 Ferrari Mondial (323 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari Mondial will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1989 Ferrari Mondial | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | Mondial |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
