1956 BMW 503 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 495 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | CL |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
