1956 BMW 501 vs. 2001 GMC Safari
To start off, 2001 GMC Safari 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 GMC Safari weights approximately 550 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 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2001 GMC Safari | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 501 | Safari |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
