1956 BMW 501 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 40 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1956 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
