1956 BMW 501 vs. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT
To start off, 1958 Ferrari 250 GT is newer by 2 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 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ferrari 250 GT (260 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ferrari 250 GT should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1958 Ferrari 250 GT.
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, 1958 Ferrari 250 GT (314 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 Ferrari 250 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1958 Ferrari 250 GT | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 250 GT |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
