1956 BMW 501 vs. 2002 Porsche Carrera GT
To start off, 2002 Porsche Carrera GT is newer by 46 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 5,731 cc (10 cylinders), 2002 Porsche Carrera GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Porsche Carrera GT (604 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche Carrera GT should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2002 Porsche Carrera GT.
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, 2002 Porsche Carrera GT (620 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Porsche Carrera GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2002 Porsche Carrera GT | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 501 | Carrera GT |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
