1956 BMW 501 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 400 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 568 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
