1956 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2006 Toyota MR2 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, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2006 Toyota MR2.
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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2006 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 501 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
