1959 BMW 507 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1959 BMW 507. (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 507. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1959 BMW 507. 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, 1959 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 507 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 53 L |
