1956 BMW 501 vs. 1992 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1992 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 36 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, 1992 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1992 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1992 Mazda RX-7 (270 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1992 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 501 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
