1956 BMW 501 vs. 1987 Lancia Delta
To start off, 1987 Lancia Delta 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 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Delta (185 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Delta should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1987 Lancia Delta.
Because 1987 Lancia Delta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Delta will offer significantly more control. 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 Lancia Delta (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Delta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1987 Lancia Delta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 501 | Delta |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2480 mm |
