1955 BMW 501 vs. 1964 Porsche 911
To start off, 1964 Porsche 911 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Porsche 911 (129 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 BMW 501 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1964 Porsche 911.
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:
| 1955 BMW 501 | 1964 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 501 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2190 mm |
