1956 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1954 BMW 502
To start off, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 is newer by 2 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 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 496 kg more than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Aston Martin DB3. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Aston Martin DB3 | 1954 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB3 | 502 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 2578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 6.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
