1958 BMW 501 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 47 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (355 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 201 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (511 Nm) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | C |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
