1957 BMW 501 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 501 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 501 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |