2009 BMW 525 vs. 1956 BMW 501
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 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 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1956 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
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, 2009 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1956 BMW 501 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
