1958 BMW 501 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 40 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 7,410 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (612 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 474 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 645 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (848 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 626 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | E |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 7410 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 612 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 848 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2050 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
