USA vs Germany — 1955 vs 1956
| 300 Letter Series (300C) | 507 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 390 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,424 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.7 sec | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 4,400 lbs | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,264 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 5,588 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,402 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | $5,359 | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1956 BMW 507 answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) versus 1956 BMW 507 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 150 hp, a 240-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chrysler 300 uses a V8 OHV (Chrysler Hemi 392) displacing 6,424 cc, while the BMW 507 relies on a V8 OHV with 3,168 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) edges ahead at 7.7 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. The BMW 507 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1468 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1956 BMW 507 is considerably scarcer than the Chrysler 300's 2,402 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW 507 commands a significant premium over the 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1956 BMW 507 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.