1958 BMW 501 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 50 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 420 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 501 | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
