1956 BMW 501 vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 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 55 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (83 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (121 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 501 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1870 mm |
