1989 BMW 518 vs. 1957 BMW 501
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 32 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 24 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 1957 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
