1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1956 BMW 501
To start off, 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is newer by 1 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, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 1956 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 3166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
