1995 BMW 330 vs. 1956 BMW 501
To start off, 1995 BMW 330 is newer by 39 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, 1995 BMW 330 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 330 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1956 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, 1995 BMW 330 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 330 | 1956 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
