1949 Allard J1 vs. 1958 BMW 503
To start off, 1958 BMW 503 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1949 Allard J1. (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1949 Allard J1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1949 Allard J1. 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, 1949 Allard J1 (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1949 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1958 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Allard | BMW |
| Model | J1 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
