1956 BMW 503 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 46 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 85 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, 1956 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1956 BMW 503 has manual transmission. 1956 BMW 503 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | C |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
