1956 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2007 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Altima weights approximately 135 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.
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, 2007 Nissan Altima, 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, 2007 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2007 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 501 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
