1956 BMW 501 vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 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 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 495 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 423 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 501 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 106.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3030 mm |
