1956 BMW 501 vs. 2007 BMW 530
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 is newer by 51 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, 2007 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 530 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1956 BMW 501. 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, 2007 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2007 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
