1956 BMW 503 vs. 1949 Ferrari 125 F1
To start off, 1956 BMW 503 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Ferrari 125 F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Ferrari 125 F1 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Ferrari 125 F1 (227 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Ferrari 125 F1 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1949 Ferrari 125 F1.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1949 Ferrari 125 F1 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 503 | 125 F1 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2170 mm |
