1956 BMW 501 vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 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 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2011 BMW 125.
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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 501 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
