1956 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Ferrari 612
To start off, 2009 Ferrari 612 is newer by 53 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 5,748 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari 612 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari 612 (533 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari 612 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari 612 weights approximately 520 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.
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, 2009 Ferrari 612 (589 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari 612 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2009 Ferrari 612 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 612 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 5748 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 533 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 589 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2960 mm |
