Germany vs Germany — 1937 vs 1958
| 328 Roadster | 502 3.2 Liter V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 140 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,971 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 96 mph | 106 mph |
| Weight | 1,830 lbs | 3,263 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,835 mm |
| Length | 3,900 mm | 4,860 mm |
| Units Produced | 464 | 3,967 |
| Original MSRP | — | $6,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1937 BMW 328 Roadster brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1958 BMW 502 3.2 Liter V8 answers with more power, higher top speed, 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 1937 BMW 328 Roadster with the 1958 BMW 502 3.2 Liter V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1958 BMW 502 3.2 Liter V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 140 hp compared to 80 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW 328 uses a Inline-6 OHV Cross-pushrod hemispherical 12V displacing 1,971 cc, while the BMW 502 relies on a V8 OHV with 3,168 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster edges ahead at 12.0 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. The BMW 328 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1433 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 464 units built, the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster is considerably scarcer than the BMW 502's 3,967 examples. On the collector market, the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1958 BMW 502 3.2 Liter V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.