1958 BMW 501 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1958 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 501 | 260 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2599 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1524 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2940 mm |