2008 BMW 330 vs. 1957 BMW 501
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 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. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (268 HP @ 6650 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1957 BMW 501. 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, 2008 BMW 330 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1957 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6650 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
