1956 BMW 501 vs. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 45 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 119 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, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 2001 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | 501 | Corvette |
Year Released | 1956 | 2001 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 5665 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 339 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 483 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 99 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1524 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4570 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1220 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |