1955 BMW 501 vs. 1993 Ferrari 456
To start off, 1993 Ferrari 456 is newer by 38 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 Ferrari 456 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ferrari 456 (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ferrari 456 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ferrari 456 weights approximately 350 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 | 1993 Ferrari 456 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 456 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 435 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| 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 | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
