BMW R5 vs NSU 501T (1937)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R5stacks up against the NSU 501T. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R5 | NSU 501T |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1937 | 1929 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 24 hp | 11 hp |
| Weight | — | 158 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 4.0 L | 3.2 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | 3-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake). Single | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00 | 3.50-26 / 3.50-26 |
BMW R5 vs NSU 501T — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R5 and the NSU 501T usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R5 brings 24 hp, while the NSU 501T counters with 11 hp at 158 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: