1961 BMW 501 vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1961 BMW 501 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 BMW 501 (100 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1956 Rover P4. (51 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1956 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1961 BMW 501.
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, 1961 BMW 501 (182 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Rover P4. (138 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 501 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 51 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
