1956 Porsche 550 A vs. 2005 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 550 A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 550 A would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 550 A. (108 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 550 A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 955 kg more than 1956 Porsche 550 A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. 2005 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1956 Porsche 550 A has manual transmission. 1956 Porsche 550 A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Porsche 550 A | 2005 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 550 A | 520 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 605 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2950 mm |
