1956 BMW 503 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 52 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, 2008 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 50 L |
