1956 BMW 501 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 789 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 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2007 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
