1956 BMW 501 vs. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE
To start off, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE is newer by 6 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, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE (235 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE weights approximately 5 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, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE (245 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 250 GTE |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
