1956 BMW 501 vs. 1948 Triumph Roadster
To start off, 1956 BMW 501 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Triumph Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Triumph Roadster would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1948 Triumph Roadster. (67 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1948 Triumph Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1948 Triumph Roadster. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Triumph Roadster. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Triumph Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1948 Triumph Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 501 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
