1956 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 78 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 590 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 501 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1820 mm |
