1956 BMW 501 vs. 1998 BMW 330
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 42 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, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 190 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 1998 BMW 330 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 501 | 330 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 181 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 390 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1595 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |