1956 BMW 501 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 31 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1956 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 221 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
