1956 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 16 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1389 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
