2004 BMW 316 vs. 1954 BMW 502
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1954 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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 1954 BMW 502 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 502 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 6.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
