1956 BMW 501 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2011 Mini Cooper.
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 Mini Cooper, 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 501 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2466 mm |
