2008 BMW 120 vs. 1957 BMW 501
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 51 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1957 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
