2006 BMW 118 vs. 1956 BMW 501
To start off, 2006 BMW 118 is newer by 50 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 11 more horse power than 2006 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 118 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1956 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 118 | 1956 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
