1956 BMW 501 vs. 1960 Jaguar 3.8
To start off, 1960 Jaguar 3.8 is newer by 4 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 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Jaguar 3.8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Jaguar 3.8 (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Jaguar 3.8 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Jaguar 3.8 weights approximately 43 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, 1960 Jaguar 3.8 (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1960 Jaguar 3.8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1960 Jaguar 3.8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 501 | 3.8 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 106 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
