1958 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 49 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, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | A |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
