1957 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | S |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3165 mm |
