1956 BMW 501 vs. 1996 Ferrari F512 M
To start off, 1996 Ferrari F512 M 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 7,255 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F512 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F512 M (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F512 M should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F512 M weights approximately 110 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 Ferrari F512 M (719 Nm) has 497 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm). This means 1996 Ferrari F512 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1996 Ferrari F512 M | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | F512 M |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 7255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
