1957 BMW 503 vs. 1992 BMW 318
To start off, 1992 BMW 318 is newer by 35 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, 1992 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1992 BMW 318.
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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1992 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
