1957 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (344 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 845 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.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4163 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 344 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
