1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1954 BMW 502
To start off, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is newer by 1 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 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 BMW 502 (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 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 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1954 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | BMW |
| Model | Sapphire | 502 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2309 cc | 2578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 6.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
