1954 BMW 502 vs. 2003 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 320 (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2003 BMW 320.
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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 2003 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
