1957 BMW 503 vs. 1989 Lexus LS
To start off, 1989 Lexus LS is newer by 32 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 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lexus LS weights approximately 318 kg more than 1957 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, 1989 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1989 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 503 | LS |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 85 L |
