1957 BMW 501 vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 38 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 14 more horse power than 1995 Volvo 850. (124 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1995 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1995 Volvo 850. 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, 1995 Volvo 850, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 501 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
