1954 BMW 502 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
