1956 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 1950 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender.
Because 2006 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2006 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | 501 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
