1963 BMW 502 vs. 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1963 BMW 502 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230. (53 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230. (139 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 502 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1941 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2229 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3060 mm |
