Germany vs West Germany — 1953 vs 1956
| 550 Spyder | 507 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 87 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,498 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 sec | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.0 sec | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 1,301 lbs | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,100 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 3,700 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 90 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | $6,500 | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $6,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1953 Porsche 550 Spyder brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster answers with more power, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1953 Porsche 550 Spyder versus 1956 BMW 507 Roadster is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1956 BMW 507 Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 150 hp compared to 110 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 550 Spyder uses a Flat-4 DOHC displacing 1,498 cc, while the BMW 507 relies on a V8 OHV with 3,168 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1953 Porsche 550 Spyder edges ahead at 7.0 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. The Porsche 550 Spyder carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1631 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.