1963 BMW 502 vs. 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500
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 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,399 cc (8 cylinders), 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1963 BMW 502. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 910 kg more than 1963 BMW 502. 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, 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 502. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1941 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 502 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1941 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 111 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 5.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 120 L |
