USA vs Germany — 1953 vs 1957
| Starliner Commander V8 | 507 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 173 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,244 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 11.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,023 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 5,029 mm | 4,385 mm |
| Units Produced | 13,058 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1953 Studebaker Starliner Commander V8 brings more power, quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1957 BMW 507 answers with higher top speed, 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 1953 Studebaker Starliner Commander V8 versus 1957 BMW 507 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1953 Studebaker Starliner Commander V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 185 hp compared to 150 hp, a 35-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Studebaker Starliner uses a V8 OHV displacing 4,244 cc, while the BMW 507 relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 3,168 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1953 Studebaker Starliner Commander V8 edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 11.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1957 BMW 507 is considerably scarcer than the Studebaker Starliner's 13,058 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 BMW 507 commands a significant premium over the 1953 Studebaker Starliner Commander V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 BMW 507 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.