1966 Abarth 595 vs. 1956 BMW 501
To start off, 1966 Abarth 595 is newer by 10 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 111 more horse power than 1966 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1966 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 935 kg more than 1966 Abarth 595. 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 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Abarth 595.
Compare all specifications:
1966 Abarth 595 | 1956 BMW 501 | |
Make | Abarth | BMW |
Model | 595 | 501 |
Year Released | 1966 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 594 cc | 3166 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 27 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 45 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1405 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1540 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2840 mm |