1956 BMW 501 vs. 1966 Jaguar E-Type
To start off, 1966 Jaguar E-Type is newer by 10 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 4,235 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Jaguar E-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Jaguar E-Type (265 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Jaguar E-Type should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1966 Jaguar E-Type.
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, 1966 Jaguar E-Type (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Jaguar E-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1966 Jaguar E-Type | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 501 | E-Type |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4235 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 106 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
