1957 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS 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 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (307 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 383 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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 501 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 307 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
