1957 BMW 501 vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 41 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 33 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser. 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, 1998 Ford Laser, 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
