1956 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Vector M12
To start off, 1997 Vector M12 is newer by 41 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 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 346 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Vector M12 weights approximately 130 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, 1997 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1997 Vector M12 | |
| Make | BMW | Vector |
| Model | 503 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5200 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 | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
