1956 BMW 501 vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 54 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 6 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 501 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
