1957 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 501 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 501 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1957 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2340 mm |