1956 BMW 501 vs. 2004 Lexus LS
To start off, 2004 Lexus LS 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 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lexus LS (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lexus LS weights approximately 407 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 Lexus LS (434 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2004 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 501 | LS |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2930 mm |
