1952 BMW 501 vs. 1952 Porsche 356
To start off, both 1952 BMW 501 and 1952 Porsche 356 were released in the same year (1952). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 BMW 501 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1952 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1952 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 501 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2110 mm |
