1956 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2006 Cadillac CTS is newer by 50 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, 2006 Cadillac CTS (212 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 215 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, 2006 Cadillac CTS (262 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2006 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 501 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 74.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
