1956 BMW 501 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 94 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, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | 501 | Corvette |
Year Released | 1956 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 5733 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 255 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1499 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1220 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |