1956 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Honda Insight
To start off, 2011 Honda Insight 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, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2011 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2011 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 BMW 501 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Honda Insight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2011 Honda Insight | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 501 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
