1957 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C (202 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 285 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (245 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | C |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
