1956 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 56 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, 2012 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 189 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic.
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, 2012 Honda Civic, 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 501 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1216 kg |
