1956 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper.
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, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 501 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
