1956 BMW 503 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, both 1956 BMW 503 and 1956 Porsche 356 were released in the same year (1956). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 503 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 52 L |
