1956 BMW 501 vs. 1944 Maserati 4
To start off, 1956 BMW 501 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Maserati 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Maserati 4 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1944 Maserati 4 (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1944 Maserati 4 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1944 Maserati 4.
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:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1944 Maserati 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | 501 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1944 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 630 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
