1956 BMW 501 vs. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 31 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), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 33 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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (454 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 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 | 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 501 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1987 |
| 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 | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
