1956 BMW 503 vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 53 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 534 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503. 2009 Ford Explorer 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. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 503 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 85 L |
