1956 BMW 503 vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 55 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 69 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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 503 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 72 L |
