1956 BMW 501 vs. 1963 Fiat 500
To start off, 1963 Fiat 500 is newer by 7 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, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 865 kg more than 1963 Fiat 500. 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1963 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 501 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1950 mm |
