1957 BMW 501 vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima 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, 2004 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 27 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima.
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 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (244 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 501 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
