1957 BMW 503 vs. 1959 Rover P5
To start off, 1959 Rover P5 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P5 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1957 BMW 503.
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, both vehicles can yield 222 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1959 Rover P5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 503 | P5 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 105 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
