1957 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 174 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1957 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 501 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 501 | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1957 | 2007 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1779 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1231 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |