1956 BMW 501 vs. 1991 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1991 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 35 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, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1991 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1991 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 469 kg more than 1991 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1991 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1991 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 501 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2490 mm |
