1957 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 55 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 79 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 1957 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 501 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2789 mm |
