1976 Audi 100 vs. 1957 BMW 501
To start off, 1976 Audi 100 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1976 Audi 100. (109 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1976 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1976 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Audi 100, 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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Audi 100. (163 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Audi 100 | 1957 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2142 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2840 mm |
