1956 BMW 501 vs. 1957 Ferrari 340 Spider
To start off, 1957 Ferrari 340 Spider is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 4,101 cc (12 cylinders), 1957 Ferrari 340 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Ferrari 340 Spider (297 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Ferrari 340 Spider should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1957 Ferrari 340 Spider.
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 | 1957 Ferrari 340 Spider | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 340 Spider |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4101 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 850 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
