1956 BMW 501 vs. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
To start off, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO 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 GTO (296 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO.
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 GTO (294 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO 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 GTO | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 250 GTO |
| 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 |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 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 | 254 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
