1956 BMW 501 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 41 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 3,391 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (160 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 8 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, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (271 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1997 Chevrolet Camaro | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 501 | Camaro |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 3391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
