1956 BMW 501 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne (380 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 835 kg more than 1956 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche Cayenne is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 BMW 501. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (578 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 501 | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 578 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2896 mm |
