1957 BMW 501 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 47 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 25 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 109 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus. 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (250 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
