1957 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Audi S4
To start off, 2011 Audi S4 is newer by 54 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi S4 (333 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi S4 weights approximately 245 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 2011 Audi S4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi S4 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, 2011 Audi S4 (440 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Audi S4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2011 Audi S4 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 501 | S4 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2809 mm |
