1955 BMW 501 vs. 1985 Porsche 928
To start off, 1985 Porsche 928 is newer by 30 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 4,664 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Porsche 928 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Porsche 928 (310 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Porsche 928 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Porsche 928 weights approximately 209 kg more than 1955 BMW 501. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 BMW 501 | 1985 Porsche 928 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 501 | 928 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 4664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
