1956 BMW 501 vs. 1969 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1969 Lotus Europa is newer by 13 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 60 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Europa. (78 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 793 kg more than 1969 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1969 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Europa |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 612 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2340 mm |
