1956 BMW 501 vs. 1998 Ferrari 456M
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 456M 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 5,473 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 456M weights approximately 290 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 Ferrari 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1998 Ferrari 456M | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 456M |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 5473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 435 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 300 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2590 mm |
