1954 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1956 BMW 501
To start off, 1956 BMW 501 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1954 Aston Martin DB2. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1954 Aston Martin DB2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1954 Aston Martin DB2. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1954 Aston Martin DB2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Aston Martin DB2 | 1956 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB2 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2921 cc | 3166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
