1956 BMW 503 vs. 2008 Volvo C30
To start off, 2008 Volvo C30 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 Volvo C30 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2008 Volvo C30.
Because 1956 BMW 503 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo C30, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Volvo C30 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503. 2008 Volvo C30 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 Volvo C30 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 2008 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 503 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
