1956 BMW 501 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 22 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, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 501 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
