1956 BMW 501 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touran
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touran 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. 2006 Volkswagen Touran weights approximately 300 kg more than 1956 BMW 501.
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 Volkswagen Touran, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touran (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touran will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2006 Volkswagen Touran | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Touran |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
