1957 BMW 503 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1972 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 15 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 57 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1972 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 503 | Vega |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 42 L |
