1957 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 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 Mini Cooper Roadster (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
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 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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 Mini Cooper Roadster (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 501 | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2466 mm |
