1956 BMW 501 vs. 1979 Buick Regal
To start off, 1979 Buick Regal is newer by 23 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 4,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 90 kg more than 1956 BMW 501.
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, 1979 Buick Regal (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1979 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 501 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4348 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
