West Germany vs Germany — 1956 vs 1968
| 507 Roadster | E9 3.0 CS Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,168 cc | 2,985 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.2 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,932 lbs | 2,987 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,480 mm | 2,625 mm |
| Length | 4,380 mm | 4,680 mm |
| Units Produced | 252 | 11,063 |
| Original MSRP | $9,000 | $9,195 |
| Value (Excellent) | $3,000,000 | $125,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1956 BMW 507 Roadster brings higher top speed, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1968 BMW E9 3.0 CS Coupe answers with more power, quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
BMW has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster with the 1968 BMW E9 3.0 CS Coupe highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1968 BMW E9 3.0 CS Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 180 hp compared to 150 hp, a 30-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW 507 uses a V8 OHV displacing 3,168 cc, while the BMW E9 3.0 CS relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 2,985 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 BMW E9 3.0 CS Coupe edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster is considerably scarcer than the BMW E9 3.0 CS's 11,063 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1968 BMW E9 3.0 CS Coupe, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.