1956 BMW 501 vs. 2008 Ford F-150
To start off, 2008 Ford F-150 is newer by 52 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford F-150 (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 328 kg more than 2008 Ford F-150.
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, 2008 Ford F-150 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2008 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 501 | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3520 mm |
