1956 BMW 501 vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 49 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, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 BMW 316. 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2005 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
