1956 BMW 501 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 48 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, 2004 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 275 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, 2004 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 501 | 320 |
Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1680 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |