1957 BMW 501 vs. 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 37 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 743 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 1994 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban (407 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1994 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1994 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 501 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 9 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3350 mm |
