1957 BMW 501 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 52 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
