1957 BMW 501 vs. 1998 Saab 900i
To start off, 1998 Saab 900i 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 12 more horse power than 1998 Saab 900i. (126 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1998 Saab 900i. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1998 Saab 900i. 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 Saab 900i, 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 1998 Saab 900i. (170 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Saab 900i.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1998 Saab 900i | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 501 | 900i |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
