1957 BMW 501 vs. 1994 Mazda 323
To start off, 1994 Mazda 323 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda 323 (145 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1994 Mazda 323.
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, 1994 Mazda 323, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda 323. (183 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1994 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 501 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
