1956 BMW 503 vs. 2003 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2003 Panoz AIV is newer by 47 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2003 Panoz AIV.
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, 2003 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 2003 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 503 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.2 mm |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 59 L |
