1952 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1423 kg more than 1952 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1952 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | 501 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
