2009 BMW 120 vs. 1956 BMW 501
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 53 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, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 120 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1956 BMW 501 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 120 | 501 |
Year Released | 2009 | 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 | 154 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1405 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |