1957 BMW 503 vs. 1971 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen 411 is newer by 14 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 59 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 411. 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, 1957 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1971 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 503 | 411 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
