1957 BMW 501 vs. 2007 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 BMW 525 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 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2007 BMW 525.
Because 2007 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 525 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 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
