2009 BMW 135 vs. 1957 BMW 501
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 52 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, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 10 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1957 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 135 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
