1956 BMW 501 vs. 1954 Buick 40
To start off, 1956 BMW 501 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Buick 40 (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1956 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. Let's talk about torque, 1954 Buick 40 (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1954 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 501 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1675 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3110 mm |
