1956 BMW 501 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 73 kg more than 1956 BMW 501.
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, 2008 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 501 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
