1955 BMW 501 vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 1970 Ford Escort is newer by 15 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, 1970 Ford Escort (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 BMW 501 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort.
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 | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
