1956 BMW 501 vs. 2004 Buick Rainier
To start off, 2004 Buick Rainier 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 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Rainier (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Rainier weights approximately 610 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 Buick Rainier (387 Nm) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm). This means 2004 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2004 Buick Rainier | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 501 | Rainier |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
