1956 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Audi A4
To start off, 2011 Audi A4 is newer by 55 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, 2011 Audi A4 (211 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A4 weights approximately 240 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.
Because 2011 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Audi A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2011 Audi A4 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 501 | A4 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2809 mm |
