1958 BMW 501 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 46 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1958 BMW 501 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 501 | SLK |
Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |