1957 BMW 503 vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 1979 Ford LTD is newer by 22 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 186 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, 1979 Ford LTD (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1979 Ford LTD | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 503 | LTD |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
