1956 BMW 501 vs. 1988 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 32 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, 1988 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Because 1956 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 1988 Buick Skylark | |
Make | BMW | Buick |
Model | 501 | Skylark |
Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2260 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1190 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |