1956 BMW 501 vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 1978 Mazda 929 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, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 929. (83 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1978 Mazda 929. 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 929. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 501 | 929 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
