1957 BMW 501 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 E (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | E |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
