1955 BMW 502 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 1978 Porsche 911 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1955 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 BMW 502 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1978 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 502 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 502 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 1410 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
