USA vs West Germany — 1953 vs 1956
| Corvette C1 | 507 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 223 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,859 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.0 sec | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 105 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,851 lbs | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,591 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 4,235 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,640 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | $3,498 | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $400,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
The 1956 BMW 507 Roadster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1 counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Putting the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1 against the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — USA versus West Germany. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1 producing 150 hp and the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster delivering 150 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chevrolet Corvette uses a Inline-6 OHV (Blue Flame) displacing 3,859 cc, while the BMW 507 relies on a V8 OHV with 3,168 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster edges ahead at 9.0 seconds versus 11.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Chevrolet Corvette's 4,640 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.