1956 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 493 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2299 mm |
