1961 BMW 501 vs. 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast
To start off, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 501 would be higher. At 4,963 cc (12 cylinders), 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast (395 HP) has 295 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast weights approximately 195 kg more than 1961 BMW 501. 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, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast (475 Nm) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 501 | 500 Superfast |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 4963 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 395 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 90 L |
