1957 BMW 501 vs. 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 44 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria (221 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 372 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Ford Crown Victoria (370 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2001 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1777 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
