1956 BMW 503 vs. 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
To start off, 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,967 cc (12 cylinders), 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 90 kg more than 1956 BMW 503. 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, 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 503 | 400 Superamerica |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 261 km/hour |
| 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 | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 119 L |
