1957 BMW 501 vs. 2007 BMW 320
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 50 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, 2007 BMW 320 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 weights approximately 100 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, 2007 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2007 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
