1957 BMW 503 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 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 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 150 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| 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 | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
