1957 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501.
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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
