1956 BMW 501 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 34 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, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 501 | M3 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2467 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |