1956 BMW 501 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 33 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 76 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 256 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
