1957 BMW 501 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 51 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (470 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 515 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 477 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
