1954 BMW 502 vs. 1956 Maserati 450
To start off, 1956 Maserati 450 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 4,478 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Maserati 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
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, 1956 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1956 Maserati 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | 502 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 4478 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 487 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 1410 kg | 790 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
