West Germany vs West Germany — 1953 vs 1956
| 550 Spyder 1500 RS | 507 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 88 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 | 1,213 lbs | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,100 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 3,700 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 90 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | $5,995 | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $7,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1953 Porsche 550 Spyder 1500 RS 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.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1953 Porsche 550 Spyder 1500 RS versus the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster. Both hail from Post-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. 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 1500 RS edges ahead at 7.0 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. The Porsche 550 Spyder carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1719 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.